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Kalyansundaram Panel (Marriage Scene of Shiva and Parvati)

$2058
$2744
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EB01
South Indian Temple Wood Carving
Height: 74.5 inch
Width: 29.7 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight 37.80 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 40 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Divine Union: The Kalyansundaram Panel

This magnificent South Indian temple wood carving captures the essence of one of the most cherished divine unions in Hindu mythology: the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, also known as Kalyanasundaram. Crafted with exceptional skill and vibrant colors, this panel is more than just a decorative piece; it's a narrative, a testament to devotion, and a conduit to ancient traditions. The central scene depicts the solemnization of the marriage, a pivotal event in the Puranic lore. Lord Shiva, the benevolent destroyer and ascetic, stands hand-in-hand with Goddess Parvati, the divine mother, embodying both power and compassion. Their union symbolizes the harmonious balance of cosmic forces, the divine masculine and feminine principles that sustain the universe. The presence of various deities and celestial beings surrounding them signifies the grandeur and cosmic importance of this sacred ceremony. Look closely, and you might discern figures representing Brahma, Vishnu, and other celestial attendants, all bearing witness to this auspicious occasion. The intricate details of this carving reveal the deep-rooted cultural context of South Indian temple art. The stylistic elements, the ornamentation, and the overall composition are characteristic of the traditions passed down through generations of artisans. Each figure is imbued with a sense of divine grace and movement, brought to life by the masterful hand of the sculptor. The vibrant, multi-hued finish enhances the storytelling, drawing the viewer into the mythological narrative. The rich colors often carry symbolic meanings, with reds signifying auspiciousness and passion, greens representing fertility and prosperity, and yellows evoking divinity and joy.

Guardians and Celestial Attendants

Beyond the central bridal scene, the panel teems with other significant figures and symbols, each contributing to the visual richness and spiritual depth of the artwork. In the upper register, stylized depictions of celestial beings and mythical creatures, like the proud elephant and the dancing Shiva, add a dynamic and otherworldly dimension. These figures might represent the cosmic dancers, the ganas, or other attendants integral to the divine procession. The vibrant colors and energetic poses convey the joyous and awe-inspiring nature of the celestial celebrations. The lower sections of the panel are equally captivating. Notice the figures of musicians playing instruments, suggesting the celebratory music that would have accompanied such a divine event. The presence of potent symbols like the lion, a vahana (vehicle) often associated with goddesses like Durga, hints at the protective and powerful aspects of the divine feminine. The intricate floral and foliate motifs that frame the scenes are not merely decorative; they often symbolize the abundance of nature and the blessings showered upon the divine couple. This panel is a microcosm of the Hindu cosmos, meticulously carved to tell a story that has resonated with devotees for centuries, a visual hymn to love, devotion, and cosmic order.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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